UMG Defends Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Against Drake's Defamation Lawsuit
Universal Music Group (UMG) is pushing back against Drake's attempt to revive his lawsuit regarding Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," arguing that the suit undermines hip-hop's artistic expression.
Universal Music Group (UMG) is vehemently opposing Drake’s appeal to resurrect his lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” UMG argues that Drake is attempting to “critically undermine” the essence of hip-hop due to his dissatisfaction with the outcome of their rap feud.
Drake's lawsuit claimed that UMG defamed him by releasing Lamar's Grammy-winning diss track, which labeled Drake a “certified pedophile.” However, a judge dismissed the case in October, stating that listeners would not interpret rap battle insults as factual statements.
Last month, Drake appealed the dismissal, seeking to overturn the ruling. UMG, in its brief on Friday, asserted that the appeal lacks merit because it seeks to remove words from their intended context.
“That is not the law, and Drake’s view would critically undermine a highly creative art form built on exaggeration, insult, and wordplay,” UMG’s attorneys stated.
Lamar released “Not Like Us” in May 2024, widely regarded as the decisive blow in the intense exchange of diss tracks between the two artists. The song achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, topping charts, winning Grammy Awards, and headlining Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
Drake initiated the lawsuit against UMG in January 2025, surprising many in the music industry. Responding to a diss track with a lawsuit was considered an unusual move, particularly against his longtime label, UMG.
Judge Jeannette Vargas further complicated matters for Drake by dismissing the case in October. She reasoned that Kendrick's lyrics were “hyperbolic” opinions not meant to be taken as verifiable facts.
In his January appeal, Drake’s legal team contended that “millions of people” interpreted the lyrics literally, leading them to believe Drake was a pedophile. They argued that the ruling disregards potential reputational damage simply because the statements were made in a rap song.
UMG countered on Friday, arguing that context is crucial. They pointed out that the “pedophile” accusation followed Drake’s own accusations against Kendrick, including claims of domestic abuse and questioning paternity. Hip-hop, they argued, is a genre known for exaggerated insults.
“’Not Like Us’ falls within a genre typified by inflammatory putdowns, epithets, fiery rhetoric, vulgarity, and hyperbole,” UMG’s lawyers wrote. “Drake’s attempt to rip the words he now dislikes from their immediate and broader context has no support in governing law.”
The appeals court will hear the case in the coming months, with a decision expected within the next year. Drake’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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